Thursday, April 19, 2012

White Ironstone China

At about 14 years old, I purchased my first piece of antique
white ironstone china at an estate sale. It was a small creamer that was part of a frilly
Victorian coffee set. I have no idea
what happened to it, but I do remember paying very little. Today
I still buy white ironstone creamers (less frilly, happy to say), and am paying
a lot more (unhappy to say).

What is antique white ironstone? To keep it simple, it is an opaque, white glazed
form of earthenware / pottery made for everyday use. What I like to refer to as humble chinaware. Many European countries--from England to
Sweden--produced white ironstone, especially during the mid 19th
Century. It was also made in
America.

It’s simplicity, versatility, and durability makes it one of
the most sought after collectibles. I
love to display and use this humble china. Enjoy these photos from my home and shop, Tone on Tone.

Beautiful photographs, and I love the ironstone, but the furniture, Loi, it is exquisite! I am particularly coveting the sideboard and the cabinet with the glass doors. Thank you so much for sharing, Phyllis

Oh Loi, I don't think I have ever seen ironstone look so elegant. You certainly know how to take 'humble china' to another level, that's for sure. I need to find a reason real soon to have to go to DC and Bethesda so I can visit your beautiful shop. Right now I am in love with the french gothic mirror you are offering-fabulous!Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful ironstone.XO

Hi Loi,Your light touch with the ironstone, while you have much of it, comes off clean and uncluttered. Love the effect. Also, the blue table with the white French jugs atop is a stunner. Thanks for being there and for being there with such grace.b

Hi Loi! I too am a big fan of white ironstone. Your collection is amazing. I love how you have used it in displays in other places besides the kitchen. As always I so enjoy seeing your wonderful talent used to create such beautiful displays.

I am thrilled you have a new blog! I have been an admirer of you since I first saw the Traditional Home magazine article about your new home. Your style and taste is perfection! Good luck with all your endeavors and I hope there is a "Tone on Tone" book in our future!!! With best regards

Your talent for choosing beautiful things and displaying them in the loveliest way is so impressive! I love the whole collection but my favorite piece would have to be the perfectly shaped bowl on the marble table. Divine is how I would describe your home!

Found your blog, Loi, through a series of blogs and so glad I did. What beautiful photographs of your wonderful ironstone. Your home is gorgeous ... I caught up on all your posts and there's just so much to say "I love that". Thanks.

Dear Anne - I couldn't locate your email address or access your profile. I do hope you see my response, as I'm so grateful for your visit and comment. Thank you! Do you have a blog? Please let me know. Cheers, Loi

I was first introduced to your shop by Joni Webb, and today when Brooke Giannetti said you have a new blog, I jumped at the chance to follow your posts. I also collect ironstone and enjoyed seeing your collections. Part of their charm for me is the fact that they are of humble origins, but I also love the creamy color en masse. I am now on the search for French white pots. I look forward to following along with you.Best...Victoria

Hi Loi,I found your blog through Brooke Gianetti from Velvet and Linen. I love your style and all the items in your shop. I live in Western Canada, but if I am ever in the area your shop is a must to see. I hope to someday own a Mora clock, my grandfather was from Sweden and I just love the style. I am following your blog and also your fabulous Pinterest boards.

I too just found you through Brooke. I'm embarrassed to say I live only 20 minutes from your store, and have never been! I will now though :) Amazing that it's only been 14 years since you purchased your first ironstone piece - this says a lot about following your passion.

Hi Donna - I couldn't locate your email on your profile, so I'm responding directly here. I'm grateful for your visit and comment! I actually purchased my first piece of ironstone when I was 14, and I'm 40 now :-) So that would be over 25 years ago. Thanks so much! Cheers, Loi

Hi Loi, I don't know whether you have noticed, but I'm following you on Pinterest and I'm practically repinning everything you pin! I love your home and your design aesthetic - it's really inspired me!

Hi Loii found your blog through PSH and VL, and I want to encourage you to post often! :-) My home is full of inherited furniture that I can not part with (and can not put Mama and Nanna in an early grave with a stiff cocktail by painting said furniture) but am so drawn to swedish design. I would so love a post on how to incorporate traditional furniture into a swedish design. Please?

That footbath is beautiful! We have two halves of a full set that was given to us as family pieces used for two generations of children. They're both English and the difference is barely perceptable save the weight. I used them for a long time as everyday dishes until realizing that through moves eventually fewer and fewer dishes made it to the next destination. I'm reminded of the Agatha Christie novel, "And Then There Were None." And you are not 40!

Loi,Love your new blog & all your posts! It was a pleasure meeting you when Steve & I stopped into your shop a few weekends ago. I'm Heidi, we were discussing that I have a hair salon in Warrenton Va. I also just started a blog so please check it out! www.nuburylane.comThanks so much & hope to be back to your store soon :)

I love this post! White ironstone is definitely one of my weaknesses! We carry a lot of the same or similar pieces at my shop as well and I have a collection at home that I'm not sure I will ever part with! I love mixing it with creamware as well. So glad I got to see this…all of the pictures are beautiful! Have a great Monday!Carolyn

How beautiful - I was hoping you would post about ironstone and there it is. Your collection is stunning. I am collecting various white porcelain, whatever catches my eye, but there is a definite beauty to this true antique ironstone. I may have to start buying the "real" thing when I visit your store! I just ADORE those French white pots with the little tiny handles. I am just mad about rounded shapes like this, and of course I also love those deep footed bowls for the same reason.

LoiI bought my first antique right before I graduated high school. I have been collecting ever since. We mainly collect American Antiques (which have fallen out of favor in the last few years) but I love anything with a history and a story to tell. Would love to see your shop!

No wonder mom and I are drawn to you. I have my grandmother's (mom's mom) set of Red Cliff Ironstone that I use every single day and I love it. Thank goodness for places like Replacements because there are some chips and cracks, but I think of my family every time I use it. Thanks for the post!